Head-to-head reliability
FORD Mustang vs FORD Fusion
How the FORD Mustang and FORD Fusion compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Mustang vs FORD Fusion: The Mustang averages 105 complaints per year versus 1,079 for the Fusion, a tenfold difference. Mustang owners report steering lock-ups and engine stalling, while Fusion owners face broken control arms and transmission leaks. Both have recalls, but the Fusion's higher crash and injury rates make it riskier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Mustang or FORD Fusion more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Mustang
The Ford Mustang, over the last decade, has generated about 105 complaints per year, with the most frequent issues in the electrical system, engine, and powertrain. Owners report sudden steering lock-ups, engine stalling and rough idling, and transmission problems. While the overall complaint volume is lower than the Fusion's, the nature of some issues—like unexpected steering failure—can be alarming. Recalls have addressed engine internals, transmission valves, and lighting control modules, but some repairs have been delayed by parts availability.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion has a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 1,000 per year, with steering, engine, and powertrain issues dominating. Owners frequently report broken lower control arms, engine knocking and vibration, and transmission fluid leaks. Electrical problems, including battery management system failures that can lead to fires, are also notable. The Fusion's higher crash and injury numbers reflect both its popularity and the severity of some failures, making it a riskier used buy without thorough inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Mustang | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,050 Better | 10,787 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 64 Better | 91 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 389 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 105.0 Better | 1078.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 Better | 261 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 6 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Mustang
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM226
- 02ENGINE182
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER163
- 04POWER TRAIN162
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION105
Owners report sudden steering wheel lock-up and jerking, which can cause collisions, as well as phantom warnings about the trunk being open and the car rolling away when off. These electrical gremlins can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The EcoBoost engine suffers from EVAP purge valve issues, leading to stuttering, rough idle, and check engine lights, especially after refueling. There are also recalls for mis-installed piston clips that cause knocking noises and potential engine failure.
Transmission problems include harsh shifting and potential failure, with some owners experiencing a loud pop and sudden loss of power. Recalls have addressed transmission valve body issues, but parts availability has been a problem.
“The vehicle experienced a sudden steering malfunction involving the electronic steering gear. While backing out of a parking structure, the steering wheel suddenly jerked and locked instead of naturally correcting, resulting in collision with a pillar. There…”
“The 2026 Ford Mustang was off and rolled away out of the driveway colliding with tree, The incident was caught on my Ring Camera, the electrical system vehicle had acting strangely and kept giving warning the trunk was open and had to go open and close it mul…”
FORD Fusion
- 01STEERING2,719
- 02ENGINE2,261
- 03POWER TRAIN1,749
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,086
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,043
A common and serious issue is the front lower control arm snapping while turning, which can cause loss of control. Owners also report non-functional horns and blind spot monitoring warnings, adding to safety concerns.
Engines exhibit loud knocking/clacking noises, significant vibration, and fluid leaks, often after routine maintenance. Some owners report sudden engine failure and even fires, particularly in hybrid models.
Transmission cooling lines fail, causing fluid leaks that lead to transmission failure without any warning lights. This can leave drivers stranded and require costly repairs.
Hybrid battery management system failures can cause complete engine shutdown and fires. Other electrical issues include the car not shifting out of park, which is a safety hazard in traffic.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Mustang — 64 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a fire. In addition, the loss of oil can result in engine seizure and loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer and Mustang vehicles. The engine piston circlips may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing, which can result in piston failure and engine damage, leading to a loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine for missing or mis-installed circlips and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. F…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Mustang and 2025-2026 Mustang GTD vehicles. During certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly.
The risk: Windshield wipers or a washing system that fails to function as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C32. Vehi…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
FORD Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
Buyer analysis
FORD Mustang or FORD Fusion: which should you buy?
The Ford Mustang has significantly fewer complaints per year (105 vs. 1,079) and fewer recalls, making it the more reliable choice on paper. However, the Mustang's issues, like steering lock-ups, are still serious. The Fusion's higher complaint volume and more frequent safety-related failures suggest a higher risk for buyers.
Key differences
- The Mustang has far fewer complaints per year (105 vs. 1,079), indicating a lower frequency of reported problems.
- The Fusion's steering issues, like broken control arms, are more common and can lead to loss of control, while the Mustang's steering problems are less frequent but still dangerous.
- The Fusion has a higher rate of crash-related complaints and injuries, reflecting more severe incidents.
- The Mustang's engine problems often involve emissions components like the EVAP purge valve, while the Fusion's engine issues include more catastrophic failures like fires.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins, such as intermittent warning lights or power steering assist failure, and have the steering system inspected.
- Ask about the status of recall 26V122000 (engine piston clips) and ensure the repair is completed before purchase.
- Inspect the front lower control arms for cracks or wear, and have them replaced if any doubt exists.
- Check for transmission fluid leaks and have the transmission cooling lines inspected, as failures can occur without warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all recalls have been addressed, especially engine and transmission recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on steering components, engine condition, and transmission health.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises, especially from the engine and transmission.
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard and ensure they are not just reset.
- For the Fusion, specifically ask about the battery management system and any prior fire incidents.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | FORD Mustang | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 117 | 177 |
| 2019 | 142 | 371 |
| 2018 | 186 | 434 |
| 2017 | 264 | 1101 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Mustang or FORD Fusion in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Mustang vs FORD Fusion
- FORD Mustang total complaints
- 1,050
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 10,787
- FORD Mustang total recalls
- 64
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- FORD Mustang avg complaints/year
- 105.0
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1078.7
- More reliable overall
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Mustang top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING